COVID-19: April 27th Update
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- A Note to Bear Operators
- Today's FAQs
- Government Announcements: Emergency wage subsidy and Ontario's plan to re-open the economy & clarification on weekend announcements
- Canada-US Border Update
- TIAO Calls - Tomorrow (April 28th)
- Adapt 2020: A Webinar Series for Tourism
- Destination Canada Webinar - Tomorrow (April 28th)
- TIAC's Impact Report #2
- NOTO's COVID-19 Page
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us.
NOTO Contact Emails:
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A Note to Bear Operators
Although the MNRF is allowing the bear hunt to proceed, it is important for bear outfitters to remember that the Emergency Orders remain in place at least until May 6th. This means the following:
- Leisure travel is not permitted in Ontario
- US/Canada border remains closed
- Accommodation restrictions do not allow you to accommodate those travelling for leisure travel (can only provide accommodations for essential workers who need an alternative to their own homes)
- Guiding services are not on the essential business list
- No camping on crown land is permitted
- No campfires are permitted
We want outfitters to be aware of these points to avoid possible fines and to support their conversations with potential guests. All of these points can also be applied to anglers in the upcoming weeks.
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Today's Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the order which prohibits camping on crown land impact my business if I operate with an LUP?
No. Those with LUPs are not impacted by this emergency order. However, camps, lodges and other seasonal businesses have been deemed "non-essential" under the "Short Term Rental" section of the essential services list and have been ordered to close unless you are providing housing to an essential worker who is in need of a place to self-isolate. This emergency order, along with all others, will be reviewed May 6th.
Although I can't open my camp, can I open my boat launch and allow the general public to use it?
No.
The Government is emphasizing that all seasonal businesses with boat launches are not to encourage anyone to under-go non-essential travel or to facilitate access to individuals trying to get into their cottages.
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Government Announcements
Federal:
My Business Account
or through the CRA’s
online application portal
.
All claims that are approved through the CRA’s automated verification process should begin to appear in employers’ accounts as of May 7. Some applications will require a secondary verification, done manually, and in these cases the CRA may contact employers to verify information. It is expected that secondary verification will take no more than 72 hours in the vast majority of cases.
The Federal Government has made it clear that all
employees must choose between receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
OR
the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
. They can not receive both benefits.
Provincial:
Today, the Ontario government released
A Framework for Reopening our Province
,
which outlines the criteria Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces. The Government has made it clear that this is a road map and not a calendar. The release of this
plan does not indicate that these initiatives will begin as of today
,
but rather when we meet the criteria set out by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Everyone must continue to follow the directives of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the emergency orders.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will provide advice to the government about easing public health measures using a range of set criteria, including:
- A consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases;
- Sufficient acute and critical care capacity, including access to ventilators and ongoing availability of personal protective equipment;
- Approximately 90 per cent of new COVID-19 contacts are being reached by local public health officials within one day, with guidance and direction to contain community spread; and
- Ongoing testing of suspected COVID-19 cases, especially of vulnerable populations, to detect new outbreaks quickly.
The government is planning a stage-by-stage approach to reopening the economy to ensure there are appropriate measures in place so workplaces can open safely. Public health officials will carefully monitor each stage for two to four weeks, as they assess the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak to determine if it is necessary to change course to maintain public health.
- Stage 1: For businesses that were ordered to close or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that can immediately modify operations to meet public health guidance. Opening some outdoor spaces like parks and allowing for a greater number of individuals to attend some events. Hospitals would also begin to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and other health care services.
- Stage 2: Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, which may include some service industries and additional office and retail workplaces. Some larger public gatherings would be allowed, and more outdoor spaces would open.
- Stage 3: Opening of all workplaces responsibly and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings.
Throughout each stage, continued protections for vulnerable populations must be in place, along with the continued practice of physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene, and significant mitigation plans to limit health risks.
All currently established
emergency orders
remain in place. The next review will take place on May 6th with possibility of extension. These include the closure of outdoor amenities, parks and recreational areas, non essential workplaces, public places, bars and restaurants along with restrictions on social gatherings and more.
The
state of emergency declaration
also remains in place with the next review set to take place by May 12th with possibility of extension.
There has been some confusion brought forward over the weekend when the Ontario Provincial Parks announced that their closures have been extended until May 31st. The announcement from Ontario Parks does not apply to our sector as our sector is covered by the Emergency Orders. Lodges and camps remain "non-essential" and must remain closed unless you are providing an place to self isolate to an essential worker as stated under
"Short Term Rentals" in the essential services list.
Seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks also remain "non-essential" and must remain closed unless you are providing an area for an individual to self isolate who's primary Canadian residence is their trailer as listed under
"Seasonal Campground Requirements"
. These emergency orders, along with all others, will be reviewed on May 6th, with possibility of extension.
There were also several questions brought forward about camping on crown land and what it means for people with LUPs. Unfortunately, camping on crown land is prohibited until further notice. There are no dates indicating when this order will end.
Those with LUPs are not impacted by this order.
However, all camps, lodges, and other seasonal businesses operating on an LUP are considered short term rentals and have been ordered to close.
This emergency order, along with all the others, will be reviewed on May 6th.
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Canada-US Border
The Canada-US border remains closed to all non-essential travel including leisure, recreation and tourism. The extension of this closure will remain in place until May 20th, with possibility of extension upon review. NOTO, along with other tourism organizations continue to press Government to allow American business owners to cross the border.
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TIAO Calls
This weeks calls will take place tomorrow, Tuesday April 28th. We will be joined by Adam Morrison, President and CEO of OTEC. As President & CEO, Adam leads OTEC’s workforce development consulting services, working with industry, government, educators and communities to ensure businesses and destinations are prepared for the changing market.
Adam’s portfolio includes projects such as the Ontario Tourism Workforce Development Strategy 2012-17, commissioned by TIAO, and Tourism SkillsNet Ontario, an alliance of sector-based workforce development consortia launched in 2017. Adam also led the design and launch of ALiGN, an online talent assessment model for the community sector that is now being deployed across Ontario. Adam holds a Masters of Science degree in Capacity Development Studies.
Northern Ontario Conference call
Time: 10am (EST)
Access Code: 539-665-317
Tourism Operators and Educators Call
Time: 2pm (EST)
Access Code: 131-430-941
You can read the notes from last weeks meeting with guest speaker John Chippindale (insurance specialist)
here.
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Adapt 2020: A Webinar Series for Tourism
By Tourism Excellence North
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This webinar series has be designed to support businesses and communities within Northern Ontario's tourism industry through COVID-19 by providing resources and connections for today and the future. Please view the details for the first two webinars and register if you would like to participate!
For more information contact:
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Enduring a Global Pandemic:
The Latest Government Support and Cash Flow Considerations
Presented by: Mitchell Grant CPA, CA, Senior Manager of Assurance and Advisory, and Christy McClelland CPA, CA, CRM Senior Manager, Advisory, of Grant Thornton LLP
April 28th 2020 - 1:00pm EST
Learn about the following topics:
- Update and overview of government incentive programs
- Cash flow management tips, short and long-term
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Stay Connected
Presented by: Eva Gutsche, Owner, STEM Consulting & Marketing Inc.
April 29th 2020 - 11:00am EST
This webinar covers the following topics:
- Connecting with customers now and until the curve flattens
- Creative ways to engage and stay connected
- Building community amongst your customers
- Having difficult conversations with your customers - deposits, cancellation fee, rebooking fees
- Local community support and engagement - Stay visible locally & regionally
- Industry examples and case studies
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Destination Canada Webinar
The next Destination Canada Webinar will take place on April 28th at 3pm, (EST).
Further details on this webinar can be seen by clicking the button below. You can also view the last Destination Canada Webinar featuring an update from Minister Joly on this page as well..
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Tourism Industry Association of Canada - COVID-19 Impact Report #2
TIAC and their partners at Twenty 31 have developed a snapshot report of recent global, regional and domestic tourism health and economic updates. The purpose of this report is to provide insights on a weekly basis of the current impact of COVID-19 on the travel and tourism industry. Many key takeaways focus on the potential for the ease of restrictions in late June.
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NOTO's COVID-19 Page
This page was created to keep you informed on the latest developments that may impact/help your businesses. This page features links to our COVID-19 newsletters, Government resources, information that may be useful to tourism operators and links to supports for tourism operators as they become available. This page will be updated regularly during this pandemic.There are FAQ's with answers and tips from NOTO. FAQs will be regularly updated as well.
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Federal & Provincial Government Information
The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the buttons below.
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NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We do not receive Government funding for operating and rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners. For more information about membership with NOTO visit
noto.ca
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